Mars transits into Capricorn on January 16th where it reaches its point of exaltation, the sign where the warrior planet achieves its highest expression. In my nearly four decades of practice, I’ve observed that exalted Mars is one of the most misunderstood placements in Vedic astrology. People often assume that exaltation means ease and comfort, but the reality is far more nuanced. Mars is exalted in Capricorn precisely because a good soldier can triumph and have extra energy while in the enemy’s camp. The warrior finds its greatest courage and power in Saturn’s domain, proving that true strength emerges through discipline, hard work, and the ability to endure pain and suffering in order to produce results.
Mars rules courage, success, and property, and it reaches its peak exaltation at 28 degrees Capricorn. Saturn must be well-placed for Mars to truly endure pain, hard work, patience, and improve success in Capricorn. Think about it: Mars is an active planet that thrives on “doing” rather than thinking. Yet in Capricorn, the natural 10th sign of the zodiac, Mars must channel its fiery energy through Saturn’s structure and discipline. This is Mars at its most mature and strategic, capable of showing initiative and success in activities that require sustained effort.
Exalted Mars creates strong generals and commanders. When placed in the 1st, 4th, 7th, or 10th houses natally, it creates a ruchaka yoga—one of the five Mahapurusha yogas. This combination creates people who are undefeated, generous, hard-working, good mechanically and technically, respected, and who have a capacity for wealth by taking risks while focusing on results. During this transit, all of us have access to this Herculean energy to get through difficult tasks without complaining. I experienced this myself during a recent move when Mars was exalted—I found tremendous energy to handle challenge after challenge with the attitude of a good soldier: see the job, do the job, stay out of misery.
The Spiritual Dimension: Connecting to Lord Narasimha
Exalted planets bring the blessings of the Avatars connected with them and may bring in past life grace. Mars is connected to Lord Narasimha, the half-man, half-lion incarnation of Vishnu who appeared to protect his devotee Prahlada. This ferocious yet protective energy is what we can tap into during this transit. Like Narasimha emerging from the pillar to destroy the demon Hiranyakashipu, exalted Mars gives us the courage to face our demons—both inner and outer—with fierce determination.
The Paradox of Strength: Still a Malefic in an Enemy’s Sign
Here’s what most people miss: Mars is still in an enemy’s sign. Saturn and Mars are not friends. This creates a fascinating paradox. Yes, Mars has tremendous power and courage in Capricorn, but there will be problems. Exalted malefics have too much gun and power and tend to blow over people with their force. The energy is so strong that you may overwhelm others without realizing it. Make sure to tone down your power as some people will not be able to handle it.
For certain rising signs, this exalted energy can actually do more harm. The key is understanding whether Mars is a beneficial planet for your rising sign. For Aries, Scorpio, Cancer, Leo, and Pisces rising, this transit brings tremendous power to produce results for the houses Mars owns. But for Taurus, Gemini, Virgo, Capricorn, Aquarius, and even Sagittarius (because Mars owns the 12th house), exalted Mars creates more difficulty. The increased power amplifies the problematic houses Mars rules for these signs.
The Journey Through the Nakshatras
Mars begins this transit in Uttara Ashadha (Capricorn 0-10 degrees), a nakshatra connected to the desire to rise in status and be acknowledged in the world. This is the constellation that promotes business and material success, but only through sustained effort. Mars thrives when physically moving, athletic, and exerting prowess.
On January 29th, Mars moves into Shravana (Capricorn 10-23.20), the constellation of “hearing” or “the one who limps.” Modern astronomers say this constellation consists of three stars—Altair, Alshain, and Tarazed—which mythologically correspond to the three steps taken by Vishnu. The symbol is an ear, and the deeper meaning is about learning to listen to one’s inner voice.
Vishnu is the deity of this constellation, and if you have the Sun, Moon, or ascendant in Shravana, it gives you strong organizational skills which are often associated with Capricorn. Mars is too active a planet to naturally heed the call of Shravana, which wants us to listen to our inner voice rather than rushing into action. With this transit, we have to take more time to reflect rather than be impulsive. Stop and listen and stay on top of meditation and yoga to stay grounded.
This constellation can create chatterboxes who are not skilled in listening, but it can also bring a lot of energy to achieve one’s goals. This is a good time to tackle those big projects like clearing or organizing a big space that you’ve put off. The deepest meaning of this constellation is the courage to jump into new situations without any concern for the past or the consequences of the future. Mars in Shravana has this ability for you to start new projects and be successful, but if the ego gets in the way, it can be more difficult. Connecting with your intuition is important for success.
On February 15th, Mars moves into Dhanishta (Capricorn 23.20-Aquarius 6.40), known in Western astronomy as Delphini the Dolphin. This constellation is ruled by Mars itself and is where Mars reaches its exact exaltation point at 28 degrees Capricorn. The symbol of this star is the drum, and the Sanskrit name means “the wealthiest” or “the most beneficent” or “the most heard of.”
This constellation is connected to music and mastery over the material plane. Its nature is very diverse as it can adapt to any situation it finds itself in. Dhanishta reminds me of the superhero or great soldier who can deal with any problem or situation, conquering ignorance and unjust social causes with lots of energy. The constellation is ruled by the eight Vasus—eight gods including Apah the water goddess, Dhruva the pole star, and others—and the main deity is Shiva, who destroys ignorance and the craziness of the mind but does so with musical grace.
Like most warriors and soldiers, Mars in Dhanishta does not do well with married life. If you have Mars, Saturn, Rahu, or Ketu placed here natally, it can create rocky marriages. Still, this constellation can give fame and abundance. People with Sun, Moon, or ascendant in Dhanishta are brave warriors, often military leaders, do well with sports, and are ambitious. One can also excel here in organizational leadership and be very disciplined. It bestows wealth and success, particularly if Mars and Saturn are well-placed in your chart.
The deeper lesson of Dhanishta is very sattvic: it asks us to sacrifice personal needs for the global good. This constellation beckons us to let go of ego and go out and do some service work or at least donate to charity to utilize this energy. This constellation can give fame and abundance if you do not get caught up in personal glory. Go for the highest and support your favorite charity.
Practical Manifestations and Warnings
During this transit, expect increased drive to achieve, lead, and establish your position. For many, this will bring opportunities for promotion, recognition, or increased responsibility, but they will come with pressure and higher expectations. You may be entrusted with leadership roles or challenging assignments that test your patience and discipline.
The shadow side of exalted Mars can manifest as being too good at everything you do, leading to impatience, proneness to anger, and potential deception. The afflicted Mars in Capricorn may be reckless and blind to its flaws because of the so-called dignity here. There’s a tendency toward being combative, offensive, aggressive, and arrogant. The key is learning that there is more than one right way to get something done, and it doesn’t have to be done “my way.” Flexibility and cooperation must be learned.
Watch out for the tendency to blow people away with your power. Exalted planets have too much force and can overwhelm others. The whole world has the problem that if people don’t think as we do, then off with their heads! Remember, the world thrives and moves on different opinions and beliefs and creates a beautiful mosaic. If you want peace and harmony, you have to see both sides—and they are always there.
Work commitments may dominate your time during this period, causing emotional distance in relationships. There’s a risk of work-alcoholism, so make sure to rest more and maintain balance. Financially, steady improvement is indicated through hard work rather than shortcuts. This is not the time for get-rich-quick schemes but for disciplined, long-term planning.
There is a lot of joy and enthusiasm that comes with exalted Mars in Capricorn, so leap for joy and express it in new ways. Use this energy to get a lot done, go do courageous things to support and defend great causes, but remember to be kind to others in the process.
Remedial Measures
Stay on top of meditation and yoga during this transit. Saturn in Capricorn can help us all get grounded and will support exercise, yoga, and meditation—these are all natural remedies for Saturn, and they will be easier to accomplish as there will be more Saturnian discipline and hard work energy available. Join the gym, take a yoga class, or sign up for meditation if you haven’t already.
For those experiencing the more difficult manifestations of this transit:
- Hanuman Chalisa can help channel Mars energy appropriately and develop the courage without the aggression
- Stay away from hot and spicy foods to calm pitta dosha so that anger can be handled more skillfully
- Engage in service work and donate to causes fighting injustice
- Practice patience and learn to listen before acting
- Channel the enormous energy into physical activity, sports, or demanding projects that require sustained effort
- Remember that slow progress with strong foundations is better than rushing ahead without proper structure
Impact by Rising Sign
Aries Rising: Mars exalted in the 10th house brings tremendous career power. This is a very powerful transit for your professional life, bringing recognition and advancement opportunities. The challenge is not overwhelming others with your force and remembering to work cooperatively.
Taurus Rising: Mars exalted in the 9th house can bring challenges with foreign travel, issues with father, and the need to be careful with higher education and dharma. Watch for stubbornness around beliefs and practices.
Gemini Rising: Mars owns the 6th and 11th houses and is exalted in the 8th. This creates complex energy around transformation, debts, and fighting. There’s potential for Viparita Raja Yoga, but also challenges with friends, income, and groups.
Cancer Rising: Mars is excellent for you, owning the 5th and 10th houses. Exalted in the 7th house, this brings tremendous energy for partnerships and relationships, though the fierce warrior energy may create some intensity. This is a powerful time for business partnerships.
Leo Rising: Mars is the best planet for you, owning the 4th and 9th houses. Exalted in the 6th, it gives tremendous power to overcome enemies, handle health issues, and succeed in competitive situations. Channel this into service.
Virgo Rising: Mars exalted in the 5th house can create challenges with children, investments, and romance. The exalted energy may manifest as too much control or aggression in creative pursuits and speculative ventures.
Libra Rising: Mars creates difficulties owning the 2nd and 7th houses (both marakas). Exalted in the 4th house, watch for issues with home, mother, and domestic life. The key is using this energy for real estate and property matters constructively.
Scorpio Rising: Mars is your ascendant lord and exalted in the 3rd house brings tremendous courage, communication power, and success with siblings. This is a powerful time for self-transformation and taking initiative.
Sagittarius Rising: Mars owns the 5th and 12th houses, creating mixed results. Exalted in the 2nd house, watch speech and family matters. The 12th house ownership can create expenditures, but the 5th house connection brings creativity.
Capricorn Rising: Mars exalted in your 1st house creates tremendous personal power and energy, but also potential for health issues related to too much fire or pitta. You may feel unstoppable but need to be careful not to burn yourself out. This creates Ruchaka Mahapurusha yoga, bringing strength and power.
Aquarius Rising: Mars owns the 3rd and 10th houses. Exalted in the 12th, this can create problems with career—you may feel like walking away from work or feeling undercompensated. The key is putting in the effort as you will be rewarded later. Watch expenditures.
Pisces Rising: Mars is very good for you, owning the 2nd and 9th houses. Exalted in the 11th house brings tremendous success with gains, income, fulfillment of desires, and friendships. This is a powerful time for achieving goals through disciplined effort.
Conclusion
Mars in Capricorn is the warrior at his most disciplined and mature. This is not the reckless fighter of Aries or the passionate transformer of Scorpio—this is the general who plans campaigns, builds empires, and achieves lasting results through sustained effort. The transit asks us all to harness our courage and channel it through structure and discipline. It reminds us that the greatest achievements come not from raw power alone, but from the marriage of power and patience, courage and strategy, action and planning.
As Mars moves through the three nakshatras of late Capricorn, we’re invited on a journey from worldly ambition (Uttara Ashadha) to inner listening (Shravana) to service and sacrifice for the greater good (Dhanishta). Use this transit wisely. The soldier in enemy’s camp doesn’t just survive—he thrives, learns, adapts, and emerges victorious. But victory without wisdom and compassion is hollow. Let this exalted Mars energy build something that lasts, something that serves, something that makes the world better.
Remember, you all be safe out there, ya hear?
If you need help understanding your chart and how this Mars transit specifically impacts your rising sign, planets, and current dashas, please visit www.appliedvedicastrology.com to schedule a reading.
Source: ASTRO BLOG Archives – Applied Vedic Astrology – www.appliedvedicastrology.com
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